Visit a school with a very unique classroom design at this innovative education centre, which brings radio lessons to children all over the Australian desert.
The Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre is a wonderful place to discover the marvels of technology connecting children in remote Central Australia. Find out how this centre in Alice Springs can bring a class together, despite students being spread out over 1.3 million square kilometres (502,000 square miles), an area 10 times the size of England.
Observe through the viewing window as a live lesson takes place in the teaching studio. Children engage in music, drama, poetry or science demonstrations via video and two-way audio transmissions.
Experience the diversity of this fascinating desert region, which connects students from remote cattle stations, national parks, Aboriginal communities and roadhouses. Check the school’s timetable to find out when live lessons can be viewed. You can also watch video recordings if you visit outside of school hours.
Attend a short film about the history of the school and find out how lessons first began in 1950. A guide will explain how the educational service developed from a simple two-way radio broadcast to satellite-delivered video and interactive computer programmes.
The display area contains murals and artworks by the students, which illustrate life growing up in the desert. Browse the photo gallery that shows interesting moments in the school’s history and examine the displays of old technical equipment.
Visit the on-site shop to purchase souvenirs, including hats, cookbooks and pencil cases printed with the image of the school’s brightly painted mural. Shop proceeds and centre admission fees go toward funding school programs. You can donate at reception to help students obtain the technology needed for their education.
Ride a bike, drive or catch the bus to the school from central Alice Springs and pay admission on arrival.
The Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre is a great way to see a unique part of life in a desert community.
